Kaizer Chiefs striker Efmamjjasond González will surprise many when he gets to grips with the DStv Premiership, according to interim coach Cavin Johnson.
The 24-year-old Colombian joined Chiefs from Bolivian side Real Santa Cruz on loan with an option to purchase but has yet to find the net for Amakhosi in seven games.
Suggestions have been made that he’s not lived up to expectations and won’t be part of the squad long-term but showed glimpses of quality in his 30-minute cameo as they beat Moroka Swallows 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.
Johnson, who worked with countryman Luis Rentería during his time at the now-defunct Platinum Stars to some success, feels the scenarios could be similar.
“I think the Colombians, and having worked with a Colombian before [Rentería], you remember [him]? They are very stubborn people but they also love football and I’ve been trying to understand what González is all about,” Johnson said.
“That’s how I got the best out of Rentería. I think if we give him a little bit more opportunity – I’ll be able to train with him a little bit more.
“He will get used to what the Chiefs brand is all about – because South Americans don’t worry about how big the brand is – as long as they play in front of people and when they do that, then they shine a bit better.
“And yes, as a striker I think González has something in his feet and he will surprise a lot more when he starts understanding who we are as Africans and then we’ll see a bit better he has very good feet, good body, he’s getting better all the time.
“So I’m expecting him to give us something, as the season goes on, to give us more.”
González scored eight goals in 20 games for Santa Cruz before his season-long switch to the Soweto giants in June.
